Come with us cruising through the Caribbean sunshine next February on the Island Princess.  We will experience the Panama Canal, visit lovely Aruba, enjoy a day in lively Cartagena, see why everyone loves Costa Rica, and explore Ocho Rios in Jamaica.  The Touring Club will manage every detail for members of our group. When possible, we’ll arrange private excursions just for our members – small group excursions with new friends that will be more fun and will save money too. We'll sail from Ft. Lauderdale and return there ten days later, relaxed, tanned and happy.

 

First Stop: Aruba

The small island of Aruba is (surprisingly!) part of the Netherlands. Located just 17 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba has become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Enjoy shopping in the beautiful European-style boutiques, snorkeling or sun-bathing on the miles of beaches, or participating in one of the many organized excursions offered by Princess Cruises.  These include exploring the island by “semi-submarine,” by horseback, or on a glass-bottom boat. Regardless of the vehicle you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the friendly people and island charm of Aruba.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena Colombia has become a focal point for travelers. In the past four years, the New York Times travel section has featured six articles about Cartagena.  Consider the opening of its 36 Hours in Cartgena article: “the Colombian seaport of Cartagena has emerged as the belle of the ball. This tropical city on the Caribbean is pulsating like a salsa party, drawing well-heeled Latin Americans and European socialites to its restored colonial mansions, fancy fusion restaurants and Old World-style plazas. Other rhythms can be heard, too. Guitar players stroll through the cobblestone alleyways… But this stunningly beautiful city also has its quiet side. White sand beaches and crystal-clear water are just a short hop away.” Enjoy those beaches, or explore this fascinating city with us during our day in Cartagena.

The Panama Canal

Cruising through the Panama Canal is on everyone’s short list of dream vacations. Traversing nearly 50 miles, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, ships in the Canal rise or fall 170 feet as they move through the three sets of  locks.  On this cruise, we will sail through two of these great locks. One lock system will raise us 85 feet as we enter Gatun Lake, a large, man-made body of water that comprises 15 miles of the crossing. Princess provides a number of excursion options in addition to the partial passage through the Canal.  You may want to ride the glass top train for another view of the Isthmus, or explore the natural habitat surrounding us. (Although it’s a bit dated, this 2002 report of on a Princess cruise of Panama gives a concise but thorough review of the Princess Cruises experience: http://www.susanmilne.com/canal.htm.)

Limon, Costa Rica

We’ll enjoy a taste of Costa Rica as we make port for a day in Limon, the Caribbean coastal city. Choose from a wide variety of activities, many of them focused on showing you the famous rain forests of Costa Rica and the indigenous animal population. We can arrange shore excursions for you from a long list of possibilities.  Or perhaps you’ll enjoy a day at the beach, or hiking in the nearby national park or a relaxing day spent browsing the shops and enjoying a lunch of native specialties.  However you choose to spend your time, you’ll come away with a better understanding of why Costa Rica has become such a popular vacation destination. (Here’s a link to a site that describes Limon: http://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/limon/limon.asp )

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Our last port call will be at Ocho Rios, Jamaica where we’ll find more beautiful beaches, more friendly people and a variety of ways to spend our day. If you’ve been anxious to try a “zip line” – swinging like Tarzan from tree top to tree top -- this is your chance!  For the rest of us, The Touring Club may arrange a private tour or a sailing on a catamaran for our group which will take us to the famous Dunn River Waterfalls, to Shaw Park Gardens, and to explore the town and its marketplace.